Online for Authors Episode 1-28-25

​Roadside Revelations: Empowerment on a Vintage Voyage with Author Gail Ward Olmsted

​My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Gail Ward Olmsted, author of the book Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip. Gail was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a full-time basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before she began Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical work of fiction featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband's, and his wife Mary. After penning a pair of contemporary novels featuring a disgraced attorney seeking a career comeback (Miranda Writes, Miranda Nights) she is back to writing historical fiction featuring an incredible woman with an amazing story.

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This week, I sat down with the delightful Gail Ward Olmsted, author of Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip – a book that completely shattered my preconceived notions about what it means to be an "old maid" in the early 1900s.

Imagine a 77-year-old woman in 1907 taking a solo 300-mile road trip, challenging every stereotype about aging and independence. Katharine – the real-life inspiration behind the book – is nothing short of fascinating. She's a woman who lived life on her own terms, loved freely, learned constantly, and proved that age is just a number.

What I loved most about this conversation was how Gail approached historical research. She talked about the challenge of falling down research rabbit holes (something I know all too well!) and the delicate art of selecting which details truly bring a character to life. It's not about dumping every fascinating fact you've discovered, but about creating a compelling narrative that breathes life into history.

Three Quick Takeaways:

• Age is just a number – life doesn't stop at 60, 70, or beyond!
• Research is an art – know when to stop digging and start writing
• Every person has a remarkable story waiting to be told

Curious about Katharine's journey? Head on over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for your chance to win a copy of "Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip" and prepare to be inspired!

Purchase Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3CREiue
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3B8qTgL

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.